California Tortilla launches text-message promotion

February 5, 2007

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain California Tortilla is using a text-message campaign to enroll customers in its newly launched VIP…

Espresscio Kiosks to focus on office complexes

February 5, 2007

HEATHROW, Fla. — Ultimate Franchise Systems Inc. has developed a fast-casual concept to focus on high rise buildings, office complexes and…

Bruegger's keeps on rollin'

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Marking its 11th consecutive quarter of growth, Bruegger's CEO Jim Greco looks toward the future.

Franchisee associations follow Quizno's to court

February 4, 2007

Businessweek: The number of independent franchise associations has grown in recent years as franchisees seek ways to gain leverage in dealing with their…

Starbucks grant helps fuel New Orleans recovery

February 4, 2007

Louisiana Weekly: Starbucks Coffee Co. has donated $175,000 to New Orleans chef Leah Chase as part of the coffee company's partnership with the National…

Bruegger's reports strong 4Q, FY 2006 growth

February 4, 2007

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Bruegger's Enterprises Inc. reported fourth-quarter comparable-store sales grew 6.4 percent at company locations and 5.1 percent…

Corner Bakery launches winter stews

February 4, 2007

DALLAS — Corner Bakery Café has launched two seasonal winter stews, Old Fashioned Beef Stew and Chicken Wild Mushroom Brie Stew.   The stews are…

Scooter's Coffeehouse opens 50th location

February 4, 2007

OMAHA, Neb. — Omaha-based Scooter's Coffeehouse has opened its 50th location in Nebraska.   Scooter's, the largest locally owned coffee chain in Nebraska and…

McDonald's takes Starbucks to the mat

February 4, 2007

Eagle-Tribune: McDonald's Corp.'s coffee has bested brews from Starbucks Corp., Burger King Holdings Inc. and Dunkin' Donuts Inc., according to Consumer…

Tech Solutions for Busy Restaurants: Choosing a POS System

The POS isn't just for ringing up sales any longer. More and more, restaurants use POS systems to control everything from inventory to scheduling.

Senate passes minimum wage bill with restaurant tax relief

February 1, 2007

WASHINGTON D.C. — The National Restaurant Association commended U.S. Senators for including tax relief for restaurants in minimum wage legislation passed Feb.

Violet Packing merges with Delorio's Frozen Dough

February 1, 2007

WILLIAMSTOWN, N.J. — Violet Packing, manufacturer of Don Pepino and Sclafani tomato products based in Williamstown, N.J., merged with DeIorio's Frozen Dough…

Red Robin to buy 17 franchises

February 1, 2007

Denver Business Journal: Colorado-based Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. has agreed to buy 17 of its franchise restaurants in California for $47.5 million. The…

Cookie monsters added to Freebirds lineup

February 1, 2007

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS — Freebirds World Burrito, the Texas-based fast casual known for its Monster burritos, announced Feb. 3 the introduction of the Moby…

Raving Brands plans for Planet Smoothie growth

February 1, 2007

ATLANTA — Raving Brands announced Feb. 1 its new three-year plan to add more than 250 Planet Smoothie locations by 2009.   A primary focus of the growth…

NBA's Sidney Green joins Earl of Sandwich

February 1, 2007

ORLANDO, Fla. — National restaurant chain Earl of Sandwich has hired former NBA star Sidney Green as its new director of Non-Traditional Development, the…

Go Roma opens 7th location

February 1, 2007

OAK BROOK, Ill. — Go Roma Italian Kitchen is slated to open its newest location in Oak Brook, Ill., Feb. 6 at the Oak Brook Promenade.   According to a news…

Fourth-annual NAPICS features innovative products and seminars

February 1, 2007

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The fourth-annual North America Pizza & Ice Cream Show (NAPICS) will be held Feb. 25 and 26 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in…

Suero appointed N.E. sales manager at Burke Corp.

January 31, 2007

NEVADA, Iowa — Burke Corp. has appointed Joe Suero Northeast regional sales manager. According to a news release, he last served as a territory sales rep. …

Tijuana Flats launches Just in Queso charitable fund

January 31, 2007

ORLANDO, Fla. — Tijuana Flats Burrito Co. announced Jan. 29 that it has created a not-for-profit fund to aid people and programs in need. The Tijuana Flats…